Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr has admitted that Leicester City attacker, Kelechi Iheanacho is in danger of missing out on this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, unless the player rediscovers his form.
With Iheanacho have suffered a dip in performance and relevance for both club and country, the former Manchester City star has been left out of the Eagles’ roster for their upcoming double-fixtures in March, but Rohr is now warning that it could extend into AFCON 2019 as well.
Sports247. reports that accumulated poor shows with the Eagles has extended into a near-shut-out back at his club in England, such that not many eyebrows were raised when Iheanacho was left out of the list of 23 invitees for the March 22 final AFCON qualifier against Seychelles.
The Eagles will play this year’s continental soccer showpiece hosts, Egypt, in a high-profile international friendly four days later at same venue, Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
However, with Iheanacho not invited for both games, observers fear his chances of making it to Egypt 2019 appear to be very slim, and Rohr has now acceded to those fears, as the Franco-German gaffer says players who are not enjoying regular time with their clubs are not in his plans.
Iheanacho has only 56 minutes playing time, out of 900, this season in the English Premier League, such that Rohr fears the lad is not in the right frame for national team action, but also admits he will need a fast change in fortune between now and May to make the squad to Egypt.
Rohr stated: “Kelechi needs to play with his club. “I give him time, but there is danger for the AFCON for those who do not play regularly in their club. The list for the AFCON is far from being made for anyone.”
